Skip the drive-through and make this copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadilla recipe for dinner tonight!
Warm and soft tortillas, seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, and the tangy sauce all come together to create a crispy and deliciously satisfying after-school, late-night, or anytime snack!
If you’re a fan of Taco Bell’s famous chicken quesadillas, you’re going to love this recipe!
Easy Quesadilla Recipe
- Now you can make homemade copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadillas, including the famous quesadilla sauce!
- It’s so fun to create copycat recipes at home for a fraction of the price of the original menu items. And without waiting in long drive-through lines!
- Making recipes at home means you likely are using ingredients with more nutritional value, are fresh, and contain less additives and preservatives.
Ingredients and Variations
Tortillas – Flour tortillas are pliable to work with but get a little crispy after frying in a skillet. Use large tortillas that will fit on the bottom of your skillet. Or make mini ‘street’ sized tacos that are 5” in diameter to make the perfect appetizer for get-togethers! Use low-carb wraps to make low-carb chicken quesadillas, if desired.
Chicken – Use up leftover chicken, frozen strips, or even a rotisserie chicken if time is short.
Cheese – Pre-packaged shredded cheese is convenient but does contain cellulose powder to prevent clumping. As a result, this cheese does not melt together as well as freshly grated cheese. You can shred your own cheese to create a Mexican cheese blend with cheddar and Monteray Jack, or choose mores spicy varieties if desired.
Sauce – Create a creamy, spicy sauce with this copycat Taco Bell quesadilla sauce recipe – add more jalapenos for a real kick!
Variations – Omit the meat and use grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
How to Make a Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
- Cook seasoned chicken as per the recipe directions below and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into slices.
- Spread sauce on one half of the tortilla and top with chicken and cheese.
- Fold over and brush with oil. Cook both sides in a non-stick pan until they’re lightly browned on both sides and the cheese is melted.
- Cool and cut into equal pieces before serving.
What Goes with Quesadillas?
Serve chicken quesadillas topped with sour cream, salsa and guacamole. Also delicious with a light and refreshing tomato salad or a tangy cucumber radish salad.
Leftovers!
Keep leftover copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadillas in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop on medium-low heat.
Tasty Tex-Mex Inspired Recipes!
Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil divided
- ½ pound chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons Taco Bell quesadilla sauce
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to ½ inch thickness. Season with salt and cumin.
- Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook 4 minutes per side or until cooked through and the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Rest the chicken 5 minutes and then cut into slices.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of sauce on one half of each tortilla. Top with ¼ of the chicken and and ¾ cup of cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half over the filling and brush the remaining oil on the outside of each tortilla.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat (or a griddle). Lightly brown each quesadilla 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and cheese is melted.
- Cool 2-3 minutes and cut each tortilla into 3 pieces.
Notes
- Nutrition calculated without quesadilla sauce.
- Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for extra flavor.
- Use a cheese blend with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a melty, creamy texture.
- Cook quesadilla on a griddle or skillet for a golden, crunchy tortilla.
- Make a quick copycat creamy jalapeno sauce with mayo, sour cream, pickled jalapenos, garlic powder, and lime juice. Adjust to your taste!
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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REPIN this Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
I made these easy Copycat Chicken quesadillas. I added 1/4 cup combined total onions & red bell pepper that were sautéed in olive oil. I made the sauce recipe that was included. Instead of spreading it on the tortilla, we used it as a dip.
This is my go to for the Superbowl party. A side of guacamole & habanero salsa as the sides. I highly recommend this recipe.
That sounds delicious, Kahwana! Thank you for sharing.